Benin Bronze Large Mask

The bronze head from the IFE Tribe in Nigeria. The mask is crafted with attention to detail, the scarification marks add an aesthetic appeal.

The significance of this mask- It was mostly used in the the adornment of the kings (Oba) palace and it played a  significant part in the Ife coronation ceremonies. Secondly the masks were used in religious belief concerned with fertility rites and funerary customs.